The field of Ethnic Studies is the study of the histories, cultures, and experiences of Black, Indigenous, Communities of Color. Ethnic Studies emerged from the inspiring efforts of students at San Francisco State in the 1960s. These efforts demanded a curriculum that included the history, contributions, and experiences of racial minorities and an increase in campus support for students. Scholars and educators of Ethnic Studies take an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to the study and teaching of racially marginalized communities in the United States. Since its inception as an academic field, Ethnic Studies scholars have continued to expand the scholarship and teaching of Ethnic Studies by centering an intersectional approach, that is analyzing the ways race, ethnicity and indigeneity connect to gender, class, sexuality, disability, immigration status and language. In addition to focusing on the histories of marginalization experienced by Black Indigenous Communities of Color, Ethnic Studies centers their activism and its impact on United States society.
Ethnic Studies Contacts
Psychology and Ethnic Studies Department Chair
Katerina Salini
Taylorsville Redwood Campus
Academic Administrative Building (AAB)
Room: 165 N
Phone: 801-957-4773
Email: Katerina.salini@slcc.edu
Ethnic Studies Assistant Professor & Coordinator
Cindy O. Fierros, Ph.D.
Taylorsville Redwood Campus
Academic Administrative Building (AAB)
Room: 237R
Phone: 801-957-3221
Email: cindy.fierros@slcc.edu
List of Courses
Credits: 3
A comparative look at the experience of ethnic groups designed to develop a consciousness of the social, economic, political, cultural and historical forces that shape the development of ethnic groups; provide a framework for a socio-cultural analysis of discrimination and prejudice in the experiences of people of color; foster cross-cultural communication; and enrich individual cultural identity.
Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide students an introduction and overview of lived experiences of people of African descent in the United States. Students will explore general threads of African American experiences such as ethnic identity, stereotypes, self-concept, family structure, public policy, economics, artist, literature as well as internalized racism, racism, oppression and liberation. It is recommended students complete ETHS 2400 prior to taking this course.
Semester: Fall & Spring
Credits: 3
Introductory course focused on the diverse historical and contemporary experiences of Asian Americans. Grounded in the scholarship of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies, the course takes an interdisciplinary approach to analyze the political, educational, social, cultural, and historical factors impacting Asian American experiences in the United States.
Semester: Fall & Spring
Credits: 3
Explore how Latin* and Chican* communities were formed and continue to evolve in response to historical events and current social issues. Topics include social movements and empowerment, racial formation and identity, Indigeneity and Blackness, immigration, borderlands, education, and art. Special focus is given to the re/imagining of Chican* and Latin* futures through policy or social action. It is recommended students complete ETHS 2400 prior to taking this course.
Semester: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits: 3
There is no one singular Native American “culture.” Instead, each indigenous nation has its own unique culture and history. This course approaches the varied indigenous peoples’ experiences by using the paradigm of Native American Studies to examine and analyze historical and contemporary issues. Major concepts include settler-colonialism, Native identity, decolonization, and tribal sovereignty.
Semester: Fall & Spring
Credits: 3
This course examines the ways social positionalities/identities impact people’s and communities’ experiences with policing and incarceration in the U.S. An interdisciplinary approach is used to examine the criminalization of targeted communities with particular attention to BIPOC, women/femmes, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, unhoused, and undocumented community members.
Semester: Fall & Spring
Credits: 3
Muxeres malcriadas, or “misbehaved womyn”, have made impactful contributions to feminism as a theory and movement. By exploring the roots and evolution of Chicana/x & Latina/x feminisms, learners will gain a profound understanding of how personal narratives and creative expression become powerful theories and tenacious forces in society to resist and survive sexism, racism, and classism in the US.
Semester: Based on student demand
Credits: 1-3
An in depth study of a particular topic in Ethnics Studies. The course may involve readings, discussion, research, Community-Engaged Learning, intensive writing or other skills deemed appropriate.
Semester: All
Credits: 1
This one-hour Cultures & Languages Across the Curriculum (CLAC) course is appended to a Social Science (SS) Ethnic Studies (Chican* and Latin* Experiences, Introduction to Ethnic Studies) and allows students to study primary documents and other course materials in the target language.
Prerequisite: Intermediate or Advanced speaking ability in target language as demonstrated by previous coursework or placement.
Corequisite: Any of the following: ETHS 2400 Introduction to Ethnic Studies, ETHS 2430 Chican* and Latin* Experiences.
Semester: Fall, Spring